Smith Appoints Chief Advancement Officer

Smith College President Ruth J. Simmons has announced the appointment of Karin George, currently vice-president for development at Vassar College, as chief advancement officer, effective March 1.

In her new post, George will direct the college's fund-raising efforts, managing a professional staff and volunteer committees to garner support for Smith from alumnae, friends, corporations and foundations.

A 1986 graduate of Smith, George began her career in higher education fund-raising at St. Lawrence University and has been responsible since 1991 for key development programs at Vassar. She assumed the vice presidency in 1995, with 16 months remaining in Vassar's $200 million capital campaign. Under her leadership, the college raised $67 million in the campaign's final months, pushing it over its goal.

Of the appointment, Simmons said: "I am confident that Karin George has the skills, experience, and energy to serve Smith with distinction in the coming years. We welcome her back to Smith."

An avid runner, George has completed six marathons, including the New York City marathon. She will be joined in Northampton by her husband, Richard George, and their son, William.